Page 29 of Finding Happily Ever After
Disappointment coursed through Aiden.
“I’m Jason. Can I help you with anything?”
“Unless you can turn into a cute blonde, I don’t think you’re going to be much help.” Another man joined them. He stuck out his hand to Aiden. “Hi, I’m Jeremy Davis. You must be Aiden.”
Aiden chuckled. “I am. But I don’t think we’ve met.” Aiden had heard of Jeremy, certainly. Everyone had. He was involved in the hotel fire a few weeks ago. It was Natalie who’d dragged him out to safety, right before she’d delivered Hope’s baby. He had no right to it, but a rush of pride flowed through him. Natalie really was amazing.
“We didn’t have to.” Jeremy shook his head with a smile. “It’s a small town, and everyone has a way of knowing everything in Glacier Falls. In a good way,” he added quickly.
“Of course a good way.”
“And one of the things that I know is that you and Natalie are…dating?”
“Yes.” Aiden nodded. “I guess you could say we’re dating.”
The other man, Jason, made a noise that was a cross between a sigh and a low growl. Aiden turned to look at him, but Jason’s face didn’t give anything away. “Are those honey buns?” Jason reached out for the box.
“They are,” Aiden said. “I brought them for—”
“I’ll make sure she gets them.” Jason took the box and walked off in the direction of the kitchen.
Aiden was pretty sure Natalie would never see the baking, but it was a fight he wasn’t willing to jump into. Besides, he’d personally see to it that Natalie got as many honey buns as she could handle. He shook his head and turned back to Jeremy.
“Don’t worry about him,” Jeremy said to his unasked question. “I think he has a little crush on Nat. He’ll get over it. And I’ll make sure she knows you stopped by. It was good to meet you.”
“You, too. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Jeremy laughed. “For better or worse, I guess. Getting knocked out in a fire isn’t really the best reputation to have.”
“But I also heard you’re going to be the new chief. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Jeremy beamed. “There’s going to be a bit of a ceremony next weekend and a party afterward. It would be a great time to get to know some more people in town, if you’re up for it.”
Aiden grinned and answered honestly. “That actually sounds great. Thank you for the invite. I’ll be there.”
“Great, man.” Jeremy slapped him on the back. “We’ll see you then.” He turned to go. “And don’t worry, Iwilltell Nat you stopped by.”
“Everything looks great here.” Natalie marked another check on her clipboard and the fire inspection form, and slipped her pen into her pocket. “There’s absolutely nothing that isn’t perfect about Birchwood.” She looked up with a smile to Brody Morris.
“Well, I don’t know about that.” He shook his head seriously. “I think the soup last night was a bit too salty.”
They both laughed.
“I doubt that very much,” she said. “Everything I’ve ever eaten here has been absolutely amazing.” Every part of that first date with Aiden had been amazing. The food, as delicious as it was, turned out to be a very small part of that particular date. “I actually look forward to trying more soon.”
“Well, in that case…” Brody grinned and flipped a towel over his shoulder. “How about a quick bowl of today’s soup? I mean, if you’re allowed. Are you still working?”
“Technically.” She nodded. “But I’m sure I can have a lunch break. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
Just to be sure, she typed a quick text to Jeremy, who gave her a thumbs-up emoji in return.
A few minutes later, Brody slid a bowl in front of her. “It’s a roasted tomato bisque today.” He sat across from her.
“It smells delicious.” She dipped a spoon in and blew on it for a moment before putting it in her mouth. “Oh my goodness, Brody. It’s amazing. It reminds me of a super elevated version of the soup my mom used to make. It’s like…” She took another taste. “Both familiar and totally new at the same time.”
“Perfect!” He seemed pleased with her assessment. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Anytime you need a taster, I—”
